BREAKING: COURT DISMISSES ABURE SUIT, BACKS USMAN AS LABOUR PARTY LEADER
Read Time:2 Minute, 26 Second
By:Tajudeen Aminat
The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, in a unanimous decision delivered by a three-member panel of justices, has dismissed the appeal filed by Barrister Julius Abure challenging the leadership of the Labour Party.
According to the MEDIA, on January 21, 2026, Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, upheld an earlier Supreme Court ruling that removed Abure as National Chairman of the Labour Party and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise Senator Nenadi Usman as the party’s legitimate leader, to the exclusion of others.
Unhappy with the ruling, Abure filed an appeal in suit No. CA/ABJ/CV/255/2026 — Barr. Julius Abure & Anor v. Sen. Nenadi Esther Usman & 3 Ors — seeking to overturn the lower court’s decision.
In the lead judgment delivered by Justice Oyejoju Oyewumi, and concurred by Justices A. B. Mohammed and Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike, the Court of Appeal upheld the ruling of the Federal High Court.
The court noted that the Supreme Court had, on April 4, 2025, finally resolved the Labour Party leadership crisis by voiding the convention that allegedly produced Barr. Abure as National Chairman.
It agreed with the lower court that, under Section 251 of the Constitution, it had the authority to compel a federal government agency to perform its statutory duties, thereby justifying the order directing INEC to recognise Senator Nenadi Usman as the party’s National Chairman.
The appellate court also endorsed the trial court’s position that the establishment of the Labour Party Caretaker Committee led by Usman was a doctrine of necessity aimed at providing leadership in the absence of a clear structure.
The justices further condemned Abure for what they described as an abuse of court process and forum shopping at a Nasarawa State High Court over a matter already determined by the Supreme Court, as well as for continuing to claim leadership of the party despite the apex court’s clear ruling.
The court further ruled that the appeal lacked merit and amounted to an abuse of judicial process.
Accordingly, while dismissing Barr. Abure’s appeal, the court imposed a fine of ten million naira on him for wasting the court’s time on a matter already conclusively settled.
Reacting to the judgment, the Interim National Chairman of the Labour Party, Senator Nenadi Usman, described the ruling as a win for democracy and the rule of law. She praised the judiciary for standing firm in the face of attempts to undermine its integrity.
Senator Usman also thanked party members and supporters nationwide for their patience, loyalty, and commitment during the period of uncertainty.
She called on all stakeholders to stay focused on the party’s upcoming congresses and national convention.
The party also appreciated the media for their professional and balanced reporting, while urging Nigerians to continue to support the Labour Party as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.
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